Now, however, recent developments in electric vehicle technology mean they can match conventional petrol engines in terms of performance and safety.

然而，如今电动汽车技术得到最新发展，这意味着它们在性能和安全性方面都可以与传统汽油发动机相媲美。

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These cars have petrol engines, too, to back the electric ones up;

这些车当然也有汽油引擎，以备电动引擎不时之需。

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Today's diesels are sturdy, smooth and up to 40% more fuel-efficient than petrol engines.

今天的柴油机不仅耐用美观，而且比汽油发动机节油40%。

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Electric cars (at least the ones without petrol engines to top up the battery) demand that they do.

ECONOMIST: Electric cars

Both combine conventional petrol engines with electric motors that will boost their performance.

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At best, the motor industry expects only a 15-20% further improvement can be squeezed from existing petrol engines and their transmissions.

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